Sacha-Gordine, 1953
This French car, paid for by film producer Sacha Gordine, never started a race. Designed by an engineer called Vigna the sleek car was heavily influenced by the Cisitalia 360 Formula 1 car which he had worked on, alongside Dr Ferry Porsche.
Like the Cisitalia the Sacha-Gordine had its engine mounted behind the driver. The car also contained several other unusual features for the time, such as the use of magnesium in its construction. This was possibly as a result of Vigna’s assistant, Perkins, who had experience of the material from previous work in the aircraft industry. The streamlined body featured a distinctive twin air intake at the front, a similar design to the one which Ferrari used in 1961 on its 156's.
Initial testing of the car was undertaken at the Montlhery circuit near Paris by the French ace Jean Behra. The Sacha-Gordine conformed to Formula 2 regulations, which were being used at that time in Formula 1. The car was scheduled to make its debut at the 1953 Pau Grand Prix, but never appeared. The design, construction and development costs had become unsustainable. Gordine and his fascinating car disappeared from the Grand Prix scene for good. He died of a heart attack in Paris in 1968.
Bugatti Type 251, 1956
Bugatti has a proud heritage of engineering excellence and racing success. One of their less successful efforts was the type 251 Formula 1 car which appeared at the 1956 French Grand Prix. Hopelessly off the pace, it was the machine’s only start.
On paper the 251 looked promising, designed by Gioacchino Colombo (of Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Maserati fame) and fitted with a new straight-eight engine, made by combining two four-cylinder units. The engine was located transversely, behind the driver, following the successful example set by the pre-war Auto-Union team. The 251’s fuel tanks were located on either side of the cockpit and the nose featured a wide radiator.
Early tests revealed a lack of power and some alarming handling characteristics. These were caused by a lack of weight over the rigid front axle. The rear wheels of the car used de Dion suspension. Despite misgivings about the new design the car was duly entered for the 1956 French Grand Prix at Reims.
The prototype 251 arrived at Reims, along with a newer version which Maurice Trintignant hoped to race. The new car featured revised suspension among other changes but there was not enough time to ready it. In the end the engine was removed and installed in the prototype. Trintignant qualified the car a lowly 17th on the grid and toiled around in the race before retiring. For Bugatti it was an ignominious end to a great Grand Prix career.
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